Venous anchor devices forming an anastomotic connector

ABSTRACT

A venous anchor device operably coupled by graft material to form an anastomotic connector is provided. The venous anchor device includes a tubular main body having a metal frame structure and including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a plurality of barbs thereon wherein said distal end has an outer diameter greater than the proximal end. The venous anchor device is fluidly connected by a graft to form an anastomotic connector.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/405,088filed on Dec. 2, 2014, which is a 371(c) application claiming priorityto International Appln. Ser. No.: PCT/US2012/067561, filed on Dec. 3,2012, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Prov. Appln. Ser.No.: 61/683,898, filed on Aug. 16, 2012; and which International Appln.Ser. No.: PCT/US2012/067561 claims priority to International Appln. Ser.No.: PCT/US2012/042639, filed on Jun. 15, 2012, and International Appln.Ser. No.: PCT/US2012/042666, filed on Jun. 15, 2012, and InternationalAppln. Ser. No.: PCT/US2012/042688, filed on Jun. 15, 2012; theentireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to medical devices for use in surgicalprocedures. More specifically, the present invention is related tomedical devices that can be used for blood vessel anastomosisprocedures.

Background of the Related Art

In the United States alone, approximately 400,000 people have end-stagerenal disease requiring chronic hemodialysis. Hemodialysis replaceskidney function by removing toxins from the blood that are normallyremoved by healthy kidneys. In order to effectively remove toxins, bloodmust be passed at a high blood flow rate through a hemodialysis machine.This high blood flow is best achieved by the creation of a permanentvascular access site that includes an arteriovenous (AV) anastomosis inwhich a vein is attached to an artery to form a high-flow shunt orfistula.

Typically, a vein may be directly attached to an artery, but it can takeup to twelve weeks before the fistula has sufficiently matured (timebetween placement and cannulation for dialysis) to provide adequateblood flow for use with hemodialysis. Moreover, a direct anastomosis maynot be feasible in all patients due to anatomical considerations. Otherpatients may require the use of artificial graft material to provide anaccess site between the arterial and venous vascular systems. Because ofthe length of time required for a fistula to mature a patient needingdialysis will typically require a temporary access device, such as aQuinton catheter, to be inserted for hemodialysis access until thefistula has matured. The use of a temporary catheter access exposes thepatient to additional risk of bleeding and infection, as well asdiscomfort, and is associated with a 91% higher mortality rate comparedto fistulas. In trying to increase the prevalence of fistulas in theU.S., a proportional rise in catheter use has been documented.

Another method of using an anastomotic connector is in a coronary bypassprocedure to form an end-to-side anastomosis of a saphenous vein to acoronary artery.

What is needed is an improved anastomosis device that addresses theforegoing problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the foregoing problems and can find onenon-limiting use in performing cardiac artery bypass grafts. In anothernon-limiting use the present invention can be used for procedures inwhich short-term and long-term vascular access is required. Anothernon-limiting use of the present invention is to provide an improvedanastomotic connector for performing bypass operations.

In one non-limiting use, the present invention provides a percutaneousconnection to be created between an artery and vein of a kidney failurepatient without the need for surgery; which allows immediate cannulationof the shunt without reliance on catheter use; and which allows for thematuration of the outflow veins for subsequent conversion to a fistula.

In one aspect of the invention, an arterial anchor device is provided.Arterial anchor device includes a generally tubular main body having adistal end and a proximal end and defining a lumen therewithin.Generally tubular main body comprises a metal frame structure includingstruts and connector portions. The distal end, which is received withina vessel wall, includes a plurality of petal-like flangescircumferentially disposed about the distal end and integrally formedwith tubular main body. The flanges may be configured to bend at anangle equal to or less than 90 degrees towards the longitudinal axis ofthe tubular main body portion or bend at an angle greater than 90degrees away from the longitudinal axis of tubular main body portion.The flanges are configured to spread from a first reduced configurationto a second expanded configuration to anchor the arterial anchor deviceagainst the inner wall of an arterial fluid passageway. The distal endof the tubular main body portion is semi-rigid and configured to bend atan angle of approximately 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis of thetubular main body and maintain the bend. The struts and connectors thatform the distal end, therefore, include a variable cutting pattern suchthat the frame-like structure of struts and connectors at the distal endare closer together than the struts and connectors that form the mainbody. The proximal end of tubular main body may optionally include aplurality of finger-like tines integrally formed with tubular main body.Finger-like tines extend outwardly at an acute angle from thelongitudinal axis of the main body lumen. Finger-like tines areconfigured to securedly fasten a graft member in place when operablycoupled with the tubular main body.

In another aspect of the present invention, a venous anchor device isprovided. The venous anchor device includes a generally tubular mainbody having a distal end and a proximal end and defines a lumentherewithin. Generally tubular main body comprises a metal framestructure. The distal end, which is received within a vessel wall,includes first and second portions. In one embodiment the first andsecond portions are non-coated. Alternatively, the first portion may becoated and the second portion may be non-coated or exposed. The outerdiameter of the distal end is larger than the outer diameter of thetubular main body portion. A plurality of barbs are circumferentiallydisposed about the second end and integrally formed with tubular mainbody. The plurality of barbs are configured to seat the venous anchordevice in the vessel wall to ensure it does not dislodge from the vesseland also to prevent the further expansion of the vein when the barbscontact the vessel wall. A portion of the tubular main body is coatedwith PTFE in the manner described herein to prevent leaking. The secondportion of the distal end of the venous anchor device is non-coated toensure that barbs are free to secure the venous anchor device to thevenous wall.

In another aspect of the invention, an anastomotic connector is providedthat includes an arterial anchor device, a venous anchor device; and agraft member. The arterial anchor device and venous anchor devices areas described hereinbefore. A graft portion comprising a generallytubular main body having a reinforced wall is structured to join thearterial and venous anchor devices within a patient's body. The tubularbody including first and second ends thereof and defines a lumentherewithin. The outer diameter of the stented tubular main body of thearterial anchor device is greater than the inner diameter of the graftlumen thus providing an interference fit when in operable engagement.Optional finger-like tines on the proximal end of the arterial anchordevice may also exert force against graft portion and prevent graftportion from being easily removed from the arterial connector. Thesecond end of graft member is similarly connected to the venous anchordevice, which is received within the lumen of the venous anchor device,which is configured to be placed within a second fluid passageway. TheOD of the venous anchor device is greater than the ID of the graftresulting in a compression or friction fit when operably coupled. Inposition the arterial and venous anchor devices fluidly couple a firstfluid passageway to a second fluid passageway to form an anastomoticconnector.

In another aspect of the present invention, the arterial and venousanchor devices are coated with a PTFE coating to prevent leakage ofblood or other fluids from the portion of the device that transportsfluid from the first anchor device through the graft and to the secondanchor device. The PTFE coating is applied by a process includingforming a dispersion of polymeric nanofibers, a fiberizing polymer, anda solvent, the dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50,000cPs. The arterial and venous anchor devices are positioned over atubular polymeric structure. Nanofibers from the dispersion areelectrospun onto the tubular frame of the device and then the devicesare heated. The process for coating the arterial and venous anchordevices is disclosed in U.S. 20110031656 and 20010030885 which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Alternatively, thearterial and venous anchor devices are coated by extruding tubes ofpolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) on the inside of the device and one onthe outside. The two layers that are formed are heated to meld together.Other polymers that may be useful in coating the present devices arefluorinatedethylenepropylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene,hexafluoropropylene, polyethylenes such as HDPE, MDPE and LDPE,polyethylene terepthalate polyester (PET), polyetheretherketone (PEEK)and similar polymers having low coefficients of friction.

In another aspect of the invention, an anastomotic connector is providedthat includes an arterial anchor device, a venous anchor device; and agraft member as hereinbefore described.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of delivering anarterial anchor device within an arterial fluid passageway is provided.The method includes providing an arterial anchor device, the arterialanchor device including a generally tubular main body having a distalend and a proximal end, said distal end integrally defining a pluralityof petal-like flanges circumferentially disposed about the distal end ofsaid tubular main body, said tubular main body and said flanges movablebetween a loaded configuration and a preset expanded configuration;optionally providing a seating device comprising a wire shaft and aballoon member adapted to be inflated and deflated, said wire shaftpositioned within a lumen of said tubular main body and said balloonmember extending past said flanges; providing a delivery device, saiddelivery device including an outer sheath having a lumen; compressiblyloading said seating device and said arterial anchor device within thelumen of said outer sheath; deploying the delivery device through anaccess site into a fluid passageway of a vessel; retracting the outersheath to expose said flanges, wherein upon retracting the outer sheathsaid flanges revert to the preset expanded configuration; optionallyinflating said balloon member and causing said flanges to engage aninner surface of the fluid passageway by moving said wire shaftproximally to cause said balloon member to adjacently abut said flangesthereby seating the arterial anchor device in the fluid passageway;removing said delivery device and seating device from said vessel. Thetubular main body may exit the delivery device in a straightconfiguration and subsequently be bent into place at an angle ofapproximately 90 degrees by the surgeon. Alternatively, the tubular mainbody may be preset to bend at an approximate 90 degree angle such thatwhen it exits the delivery device it reverts to the pre-setconfiguration.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of delivering avenous anchor device within a venous fluid passageway is provided. Themethod includes providing a venous anchor device, the venous anchordevice having a generally tubular main body having a distal end and aproximal end, said distal end integrally defining a plurality of barbsconfigured to engage a vessel wall, said tubular main body and saidbarbs movable between a loaded configuration and a preset expandedconfiguration; providing a delivery device, said delivery deviceincluding an outer sheath having a lumen; compressibly loading saidvenous anchor device within the lumen of said outer sheath; deployingthe delivery device through an access site into a venous fluidpassageway of a vessel; retracting the outer sheath to expose the distalend of the venous anchor device, wherein upon retracting the outersheath the barbs revert to the pre-set expanded position and seat thedevice against the venous vessel wall; removing said delivery device.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of forming an anastomoticconnector between two vessels in a body of a patient is provided. Themethod providing an arterial anchor device, said arterial anchor deviceincluding an arterial anchor tubular main body having a distal end and aproximal end, said distal end integrally defining a plurality of flangescircumferentially disposed about the distal end of said tubular mainbody, said arterial anchor tubular main body and said plurality offlanges movable between a loaded configuration and preset expandedconfiguration; providing a delivery device, said delivery deviceincluding an outer sheath defining a lumen therewithin; compressiblyloading said arterial anchor device within the lumen of said outersheath; deploying the delivery device through an access site into afirst fluid passageway of a vessel to a predetermined position;retracting the sheath to expose said flanges and said balloon member,wherein upon retracting the sheath said flanges revert to the presetexpanded configuration, wherein said flanges engage the surface of awall of said first fluid passageway; further retracting said outersheath to cause said tubular main body to revert to the preset expandedconfiguration outside the vessel wall; bending said tubular main body atan angle of ninety degrees from the longitudinal axis of the device;withdrawing said delivery device from said vessel; operably connecting afirst end of a length of graft material to the proximal end of saidarterial anchor tubular main body; providing a venous anchor device,said venous anchor device including a venous anchor tubular main bodyhaving a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end integrallydefining a plurality of barbs thereon, said tubular main body and saidplurality of barbs movable between a loaded configuration and presetexpanded configuration; compressibly loading said venous anchor devicewithin the lumen of said outer sheath of said delivery device; deployingthe delivery device through an access site into a second fluidpassageway of a vessel to a predetermined position; retracting thesheath to expose the distal end of said venous vessel anchor and saidbarbs, wherein upon retracting the sheath said barbs and said distal endrevert to the preset expanded configuration; further retracting saidouter sheath to cause said venous anchor tubular main body to revert tothe preset expanded configuration outside the vessel wall; withdrawingsaid delivery device from said second vessel; and forming saidanastomotic connector by operably connecting a second end of said lengthof graft material to the proximal end of said venous tubular main body.

These and other features of the invention will now be described indetail with reference to the accompanying Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view of one exemplary embodiment of an arterial anchordevice in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 1B is a detailed view of the distal end of the arterial anchordevice showing petal-like flanges.

FIG. 1C is a side view of the proximal end of the arterial anchor devicein accordance with the invention showing optional outwardly extendingtines.

FIG. 1D is a detailed view of the frame work structure of the arterialanchor device laid flat in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the arterial anchor device of FIG. 1showing the device coated in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2B is a detailed view of the distal end of the arterial anchordevice showing uncoated petal-like flanges.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a coated arterial anchor device positionedwithin an arterial fluid passageway.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of the arterial anchor device with a bendbetween the distal end and the central portion of the tubular body whichcauses the distal end to be off-set from the longitudinal axis of thetubular body by about 90 degrees.

FIG. 4A is a side view of an embodiment of the venous anchor device inaccordance with an aspect of the invention showing the frame workstructure.

FIG. 4B is a view of the frame work structure of the venous anchordevice laid flat in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 4C is a side view of an aspect of the venous anchor device showingthe device coated in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative coated venous anchordevice in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the venous anchor device of FIG. 4 seatedin a venous fluid passageway and connected to a graft portion.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary delivery device utilized to deliver thearterial and venous anchor devices in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate the delivery and method of placing the arterialanchor device within a vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally directed to an anastomotic connectorstructured to attach a graft between an artery and a vein, a novelarterial anchor device for anchoring the anastomotic connector to theartery and a novel venous anchor device for anchoring the anastomoticconnector to the vein. The anastomotic connector in accordance with theinvention may be placed percutaneously or subcutaneously and may befabricated from any biocompatible material suitable for implantationinto the human body. Further, the anchor devices preferably have a lowcost and are readily replaceable. As will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art based upon the following disclosure, theanastomotic connector of the invention may replace the use of cathetersin those patients on hemodialysis who are permanently consigned tocatheter use due to their inability (anatomically or otherwise) tosustain long-term fistula or graft options.

Numerous structural variations of an anastomotic connector device andarterial anchor devices are contemplated and within the intended scopeof the invention. For purposes of discussion and not limitation, anexemplary embodiment will be described in detail below. As those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate, although the anastomoticconnector will be described with reference to placement within a vessel,it should be understood that the anastomotic connectors may be placedwithin various other fluid passageways without departing from theintended scope of the invention.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 through 6 the anastomotic connector system inaccordance with the invention broadly comprises an arterial anchordevice, a graft and a venous anchor device. The component parts of theanastomotic connector system will now be described.

FIG. 1A is a side view of one exemplary embodiment of an arterial anchordevice 10 used to form the anastomotic connector in accordance with theinvention. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, arterial anchor device 10generally includes a tubular main body 12 defining a lumen 14therethrough. Main body 12 includes distal 16 and proximal ends 18. Inan exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter of proximal end 18 of mainbody 12 is greater than an outer diameter at the distal end 16 thereof.In other embodiments the outer diameter of the distal 16 and proximal 18ends are substantially equivalent. The outer diameter of proximal end 18may also be greater than the internal diameter of graft material 24 suchthat when the graft material 24 is received over the proximal end 18 ofthe main body 12, the radial force exerted by the anchor device at bodytemperature ensures an interference fit when operably coupled to graftmaterial 24. One exemplary but non-limiting type of graft that may beused is a Vectra® vascular access graft (Bard Peripheral Vascular,Tempe, Ariz.). In other embodiments the outer diameter of proximal end18 of main body 12 may be substantially equivalent to the internaldiameter of the graft material so long as an interference fit isachieved, without departing from the intended scope of the invention.The varying outer diameters of the proximal end 18 of the main body 12may depend upon numerous factors such as, for example, the desiredamount of flow through the anastomotic connector. In exemplaryembodiments the outer diameters of the proximal end 18 may range betweenabout 1 mm and about 10 mm, although larger or smaller outer diametersare also contemplated and within the intended scope of the invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, arterial anchor device 10 includes aplurality of flanges 22 circumferentially disposed about the distal end16 thereof. Flanges 22 have a petal-like configuration and areintegrally formed with the tubular main body 12 of arterial anchordevice 10. In forming the petal-like configuration flanges comprise awire that in a second expanded configuration has a diameter across acentral portion that is wider than the diameter across the first andsecond end portions. Flanges 22 may be configured to expand upondeployment at a preset angle equal to approximately 90 degrees or less.In one aspect of the invention, flanges 22 are offset at an acute angle21 from the longitudinal axis of tubular main body 12 to seat thearterial anchor device against a vessel wall. In an exemplaryembodiment, the acute angle may be approximately 50 to 60 degrees andmay be preset at 55 degrees. In one aspect of the invention in a firstnon-expanded configuration flanges 22 are substantially parallel to alongitudinal axis of the tubular body. In another aspect of theinvention, in a second expanded configuration, flanges 22 aresubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubularbody. In another aspect of the invention in a second expandedconfiguration, flanges 22 are offset from the longitudinal axis of thetubular main body by an acute angle.

As best seen in FIG. 1B, the struts or wires 23 that form the wall ofthe petals are configured to expand into a wider profile to ensure thatthey contact the maximum area possible of the vessel wall thus ensuringthe proper seating of the arterial anchor device against the wall of thearterial fluid passageway. Those of skill in the art will alsoappreciate that various configurations could be made to flanges 22,without departing from the intended scope of the invention, so long asthe flanges 22 are sufficiently angled and sufficiently spread apart tosecurely and firmly anchor the arterial anchor device 10 to a vesselwall in an arterial fluid passageway. Those of skill in the art willappreciate, however, that the petals which are formed axially will beflatter against the vessel wall and, therefore, provide greateranchoring than the petals that are otherwise formed.

For purposes of this disclosure, however, flanges 22 configured at anacute angle 21 offset from the longitudinal axis of main body 12 will bediscussed. Tubular main body 12 comprises a metal frame structure thatincludes integrally formed struts 27 and connectors 26. Referring toFIG. 1C, arterial anchor device 10 may optionally include a plurality offinger-like tines 28 positioned at the proximal end 18 of tubular mainbody 12 and integrally formed therewith. Finger-like tines 28 extendoutwardly from the main body 12 at an acute angle. However, those ofskill in the art will appreciate that finger-like tines 28 can extendoutwardly from the main body lumen 14 at any angle that will cause themto exert a compressive force on a graft when operably coupled therewith.Tubular graft portion 24 is operably coupled to proximal end 18 of mainbody 12 by inserting the proximal end 18 of arterial anchor device 10into the lumen of the graft 24. Because finger-like tines 28 extendoutwardly from the tubular main body lumen 14 they exert a compressiveforce on graft 20 that prevents the graft 20 from being retracted in theopposite or proximal direction thus operably coupling the tubular graftportion 24 to arterial anchor device 10 assuring the graft will notdislodge after placement.

As further illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D,tubular main body 12 integrally transitions at the distal and proximalends into flanges 22 and finger-like tines 28, respectively. Tubularmain body 12 includes a distal end 16 and a proximal end. As can best beseen in FIG. 1D the struts 27 that form the distal end 16 have avariable cutting pattern 17 resulting in struts 27 that are closertogether and more tightly formed than the struts 27 that form thecentral portion 25 and those at the proximal end 18. As can be seen inFIG. 1D, the strut formation at the distal end 16 includes threesections 101, 102, 103. The first and thirds sections 101, 103 include aplurality of sinusoidal-shaped struts having a length of approximately3.77 mm. The second section 102 includes double sinusoidal-shaped strutsconnected at the curve by connecting member 26. The second section 102is connected to the first and third sections 101, 103 by additionalconnecting members 26. The second section is approximately 8.8 mm.

The central portion 25 also includes a plurality of rows 110-115 ofopenly-formed sinusoidal-shaped struts. The first row of struts 110 isconnected at the curved portion 105 of the strut to the curved portion106 of the last row of struts in the distal end. Each row of centralportion struts 110-115 is connected to the subsequent row by twoconnecting members 126 that extend from a mid-portion of the strut tothe curved portion of the strut in the subsequent row. Central portion25 is approximately 28 mm.

The elongated proximal end includes a strut formation of two rows 201,202. Each row includes a plurality of sinusoidal-shaped struts 227 withthe second section 202 including double sinusoidal-shaped struts 228.First row 201 is connected by a plurality of connecting members 226 tothe central portion 25. First row 201 is connected at the curved portionto the second double row 228.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the number of rowsutilized in the anchor device can vary depending on the length of theanchor device desired.

The arterial anchor device in accordance with the invention isexpandable from a first retained configuration to a second expandedconfiguration as seen in FIG. 1A. The variable cutting pattern of thedistal end 16 allows for the second configuration in which the distalend 16 may be bent or preset at an angle that is approximately 90degrees offset from the longitudinal axis LA of the tubular main body 12as best seen in FIG. 3B. In addition, the tighter variable cuttingpattern of the distal end provides a stronger radial force when in theexpanded position which helps in preventing leakage when positionedwithin an arterial vessel. The stronger radial force at the distal endalso prevents the arterial anchor device from collapsing and cutting offor reducing flow through the anastomotic connector.

Plurality of flanges 22 are structured to move between a loaded position(inside a delivery sheath, not shown) prior to deployment and anexpanded in situ position as illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIG. 3. As willbe appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the arterialanchor device 10 in accordance with the invention, and as best seen inFIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, is structured to provide a secure, leak-freeconnection to an arterial vessel passageway. Therefore, it iscontemplated that a fluid impermeable, biocompatible polymer 23 may bedeposited on the arterial anchor device to fill the interstices of thestruts comprising the tubular main body to ensure a leak-tight seal whenimplanted in the arterial fluid passageway. Such biocompatible materialsmay include, but are not limited to, expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene(“ePTFE”), polyester, silicone composites, or various other plastics andelastomers or combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, thearterial anchor device is coated with a PTFE coating to prevent leakageof blood or other fluids from the portion of the device that transportsfluid from the first anchor device through the graft and to the secondanchor device. The PTFE coating is applied by a process includingforming a dispersion of polymeric nanofibers, a fiberizing polymer, anda solvent, the dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50,000cPs. The arterial anchor device is positioned over a tubular polymericstructure. Nanofibers from the dispersion are electrospun onto thetubular frame of the device and then the devices are heated. FIG. 3depicts a further aspect of an anchor device in accordance with theinvention having petal-like flanges 22 coated with the PTFE electrospuncoating, those of skill in the art will appreciate that flanges 22 mayremain uncoated as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B to ensure a tightcompression fit against the wall of the arterial fluid passageway. Inaddition, endothelialization of the flanges will be promoted by leavingflanges 22 uncoated. Further, it may to desirable to leave proximal end18 uncoated so that the coating does not fray when it is compress intograft material 24 thus ensuring a fluid impermeable fit.

Alternatively, the arterial and venous anchor devices may be coated byextruding tubes of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) on the inside of thedevice and one on the outside. The two layers that are formed are heatedto meld together. Other polymers that may be useful in coating thepresent devices are fluorinatedethylenepropylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy(PFA), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene,hexafluoropropylene, polyethylenes such as HDPE, MDPE and LDPE,polyethylene terepthalate polyester (PET), polyetheretherketone (PEEK)and similar polymers having low coefficients of friction.

Arterial anchor device 10 may be either self-expanding, such asso-called shape-memory materials, or non self-expanding, such asstainless steel. One benefit of using a self-expanding material is thatplurality of flanges 22 will expand when deployed within a vesselwithout the need for a separate expansion device, thus eliminatingadditional equipment and steps during the deployment process.

As best seen in FIG. 1D, in forming the exemplary arterial anchor device10, a tubular length of metal is used to cut the arterial anchor device10 and integrally form the struts 24 and connectors 26 of tubular mainbody 12 as well as flanges 22 and finger-like tines 28. As discussedpreviously, the metal material used in the exemplary arterial anchordevice 10 should be both resilient and capable of being heat treated tosubstantially set a desired shape. Preferably, the metal from whicharterial anchor device 10 is cut exhibits a high modulus of elasticitythat is biocompatible and has superior compressibility allowing thearterial anchor device 10 to be self-expandable.

One class of materials which meet these qualifications is so-calledshape memory alloys. Such alloys tend to have a temperature inducedphase change which will cause the material to have a preferredconfiguration which can be fixed by heating the material above a certaintransition temperature to induce a change in the phase of the material.When the alloy is cooled back down, the alloy will “remember” the shapeit was in during the heat treatment and will tend to assume thatconfiguration unless constrained from so doing.

One particularly preferred shape memory alloy for use in the presentmethod is Nitinol, an approximately stoichiometric alloy of nickel andtitanium, which may also include other minor amounts of other metals toachieve desired properties. NiTi alloys such as nitinol, includingappropriate compositions and handling requirements, are well known inthe art and such alloys need not be discussed in detail here.

Such NiTi alloys are preferred, at least in part, because they arecommercially available, have a high yield strain and more is known abouthandling such alloys than other known shape memory alloys. NiTi alloysare also very elastic—they are said to be “superelastic” or“pseudoelastic.” This elasticity will help a device of the inventionreturn to a present expanded configuration for deployment into a bloodvessel. However, any suitable self-expanding material may be used aswill be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

As hereinafter described, prior to implantation the arterial anchordevice 10 is collapsed inside a delivery device or sheath. Uponintroduction into a vessel, the distal end of the anchoring structurefreely self-expands to its original dimensions. The self-expandingbehavior of the arterial anchor device 10 is due to the relatively highmodulus of elasticity of the shape-memory material, which impartssuperior spring-like properties to the arterial anchor device 10.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary arterial anchor device 10 deployedthrough vessel wall W. FIG. 3B illustrates the approximate 90 degreebend in the arterial anchor device.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6 a venous vessel anchor 400 in accordance withthe invention is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, venous vessel anchor400 generally includes a tubular main body 412 defining a lumen 414therethrough. Main body 412 includes distal 416 and proximal ends 418.In one exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter of distal end 416 ofmain body 12 is greater than the outer diameter of proximal end 418 toensure it is property seated in a venous fluid passageway. Generallytubular main body 412 comprises a metal frame structure. In an exemplaryembodiment depicted in FIG. 4C the distal end 416, which is receivedwithin a vessel wall, includes first and second portions 415, 417. Thefirst 415 and second 417 portions are non-coated. Alternatively, as bestseen in FIG. 5 the first portion 415 may be coated and the secondportion may be non-coated to expose a plurality of barbs 421circumferentially disposed about the second end and integrally formedwith tubular main body. The plurality of barbs 421 are configured toseat the venous anchor device in the vessel wall to ensure it does notdislodge from the vessel wall. In addition, upon deployment barbs 421restrict further expansion of the venous anchor device when the barbs421 anchor it against the vessel wall. A portion of the tubular mainbody 412 is coated in the manner hereinafter described to preventleaking. Preferably, the first and second portions 415, 417 of thedistal end 416 of the venous anchor device are non-coated to ensure thatbarbs 421 are free to secure the venous anchor device 400 to the venouswall. When forming the anastomic connector in accordance with theinvention, the venous vessel anchor 400 is operably coupled to graftmaterial 424, as best seen in FIG. 6. One exemplary but non-limitingtype of graft that may be used is a Vectra® vascular access graft (BardPeripheral Vascular, Tempe, Ariz.). The outer diameter of proximal end418 of main body 412 may be greater than the internal diameter of thegraft material 424 to ensure a tight interference fit. Alternatively,the outer diameter of the proximal end 18 may be substantiallyequivalent to the internal diameter of the graft material, withoutdeparting from the intended scope of the invention, so long as aninterference fit is achieved. The varying outer diameters of theproximal end 418 of the main body 412 may depend upon numerous factorssuch as, for example, the desired amount of flow through the anastomoticconnector. In exemplary embodiments the outer diameters of the proximalend 418 may range between about 1 mm and about 10 mm and preferablyabout 8 mm on the proximal end when fully expanded, although larger orsmaller outer diameters are also contemplated and within the intendedscope of the invention. The outer diameter of the distal end 416 isapproximately 10 mm to 12 mm and preferably 11 mm so long as it islarger than the proximal end 418.

As best seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B the frame-like structure of the tubularmain body 412 has a loose configuration or in other words a column pitchthat is substantially equivalent along the length of the device. In oneaspect of the invention, the column pitch (‘CP’) is approximately 0.185inches which allows the tubular body to easily bend. Those of skill inthe art will appreciate, however, that other column pitches can be usedand still be within the scope of the invention. When the tubular mainbody 412 is exposure to arterial pressure the loosely configured tubularmain body 412 will stretch. When first deployed into the venous vesselit will assume an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of thevenous vessel into which it is deployed up to an approximate maximum ofabout 10 mm. As barbs 421 engage the vessel wall (as best seen in FIG.6) the barbs prevent the vein from further expansion.

As can be seen in FIG. 4B the frame like structure is substantially thesame as the central portion 425 of the arterial anchor device 10. Thus,frame of the venous anchor device includes a plurality of rows 410 ofopenly-formed sinusoidal-shaped struts. Each row of struts 410 isconnected to the subsequent row by two connecting members 426 thatextend from a mid-portion of the strut to the curved portion of thestrut in the subsequent row.

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the venousanchor device 400 in accordance with the invention, and as best seen inFIGS. 4 through 6, is structured to provide a secure, leak-freeconnection to a venous vessel passageway. Therefore, it is contemplatedthat a fluid impermeable, biocompatible polymer 423 may be deposited onthe venous anchor device 400 to fill the interstices of the strutscomprising the tubular main body to ensure a leak-tight seal whenimplanted in the venous fluid passageway. The fluid impermeable,biocompatible polymer 423 may be woven. Such biocompatible materials mayinclude, but are not limited to, expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene(“ePTFE”), polyester, silicone composites, or various other plastics andelastomers or combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, thevenous anchor device is coated with a PTFE coating to prevent leakage ofblood or other fluids from the portion of the device that transportsfluid from the first anchor device through the graft and to the secondanchor device. The PTFE coating is applied by a process includingforming a dispersion of polymeric nanofibers, a fiberizing polymer, anda solvent, the dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50,000cPs. The venous anchor device 400 is positioned over a tubular polymericstructure. Nanofibers from the dispersion are electrospun onto thetubular frame of the device and then the devices are heated.Alternatively, the venous anchor device is coated by extruding tubes ofpolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) on the inside of the device and one onthe outside. The two layers that are formed are heated to meld together.Other polymers that may be useful in coating the present devices arefluorinatedethylenepropylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), tetrafluoroethylene,hexafluoropropylene, polyethylenes such as HDPE, MDPE and LDPE,polyethylene terepthalate polyester (PET), polyetheretherketone (PEEK)and similar polymers having low coefficients of friction.

As described previously and as alternatively depicted in FIG. 4C theentire distal end 416 of the venous anchor device 400 may be leftuncoated while the tubular main body is coated. Alternatively, as shownin FIG. 5, the venous anchor device 400 may have the first portion 415coated while the second portion 417 including plurality of barbs 421 isuncoated to ensure barbs 421 are free to lie against vessel wall.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that although it iscontemplated that the venous anchor device 400 is coated there is nobackflow in the venous device due to the arterial pressure of the bloodflowing through it. This minimizes any leakage that may occur at theentry point of the device in the venous wall.

Venous anchor device 400 may be either self-expanding, such as so-calledshape-memory materials, or non-self-expanding, such as stainless steel.In forming the exemplary venous anchor device 400, a tubular length ofmetal is used to cut the venous anchor device 400 and integrally formthe struts and connectors of tubular main body 412 as well as barbs 421.As discussed previously, the metal material used in the exemplary venousanchor device 400 should be both resilient and capable of being heattreated to substantially set a desired shape. Preferably, the metal fromwhich venous anchor device 400 is cut exhibits a high modulus ofelasticity that is biocompatible and has superior compressibilityallowing the venous anchor device 400 to be self-expandable.

One class of materials which meet these qualifications is so-calledshape memory alloys. Such alloys tend to have a temperature inducedphase change which will cause the material to have a preferredconfiguration which can be fixed by heating the material above a certaintransition temperature to induce a change in the phase of the material.When the alloy is cooled back down, the alloy will “remember” the shapeit was in during the heat treatment and will tend to assume thatconfiguration unless constrained from so doing.

One particularly preferred shape memory alloy for use in the presentmethod is Nitinol, an approximately stoichiometric alloy of nickel andtitanium, which may also include other minor amounts of other metals toachieve desired properties. NiTi alloys such as nitinol, includingappropriate compositions and handling requirements, are well known inthe art and such alloys need not be discussed in detail here.

Such NiTi alloys are preferred, at least in part, because they arecommercially available, have a high yield strain and more is known abouthandling such alloys than other known shape memory alloys. NiTi alloysare also very elastic—they are said to be “superelastic” or“pseudoelastic.” This elasticity will help a device of the inventionreturn to a present expanded configuration for deployment into a bloodvessel. However, any suitable self-expanding material may be used aswill be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

As hereinafter described, prior to implantation the venous anchor device400 is collapsed inside a delivery device or sheath. Upon introductioninto a vessel, the distal end of the anchoring structure freelyself-expands to its original dimensions. The self-expanding behavior ofthe venous anchor device 400 is due to the relatively high modulus ofelasticity of the shape-memory material, which imparts superiorspring-like properties to the venous anchor device 400.

Referring generally to FIGS. 8 through 11, the method of implanting thearterial anchor device and venous anchor device to form the anastomoticconnector in accordance with the invention will now be discussed. In atechnique known to those of skill in the art to gain access to a fluidpassageway of a vessel, an introducer including a stylet having amicropuncture tip puncture is introduced into the patient body. Thestylet is used to puncture a small access opening through a vessel wall.The stylet is then removed with the introducer remaining in position inthe fluid passageway of the vessel through the vessel wall.

Referring to FIGS. 7 through 10, the delivery device 710 used to deliverand seat the anchor devices 10, 400 in accordance with the invention ina fluid passageway broadly includes a seating device 712 comprising awire shaft portion 713 terminating in an inflatable balloon member 714on a distal end thereof and an outer sheath 716 into which the anchordevice 10, 400 is loaded. The wire shaft 712 with donut-shaped balloonmember 714 is positioned within the lumen 14 of, for example, arterialanchor device 10 with the balloon member 714 extending past aperture 36formed by flanges 22. The combination, i.e. arterial anchor device 10and wire shaft 512 with balloon member 714 is then housed within theouter sheath 716 of the delivery device 510 for introduction into thefluid passageway. The delivery device 710 may include radiopaquemarkings on the outer sheath at the proximal end which extends outsidethe body to enable the physician to visualize the placement of thearterial anchor device 10 in accordance with the invention. Thephysician guides the delivery device into the fluid passageway up to thefirst mark on the outer shaft, which extends the distal end of thedelivery device into the fluid passageway of vessel V. The sheath 716 isthen retracted to a second marking to expose the balloon member 714 andflanges 22 in the vessel fluid passageway. Flanges 22 revert to anexpanded position (due to the shape memory properties and by mechanicalactuation) to secure the connector 10 to an inner surface (IS) of vesselwall W. Balloon member 714 is inflated and retracted against the annularflange aperture 36 by manipulating the wire shaft 713 in a proximaldirection. As the balloon member contacts the flanges 22, flanges 22 aremoved to seat the anchor device to an inner surface (IS) of vessel wallW. The sheath is further retracted proximally to expose the remainingportion 518 of the arterial anchor device extending outside the vesselwall W. The tubular main body may then be bent at the distal end to anabout 90 degree angle to the longitudinal axis of the distal end.Alternatively, the about 90 degree bend may be pre-set such that whenthe anchor device is deployed it assumes the about 90 degreeconfiguration. The graft material 24 is then slidably coupled to theproximal end 18 of the vessel anchor 10 having a greater outer diameterto create a fluid tight seal. Those of skill in the art will appreciate;however, that arterial anchor device 10 may be integrally formed withgraft material 24 or may be pre-loaded onto the graft material 24 priorto delivery in an arterial fluid passageway. Those of skill in the artwill also appreciate that the anchor device may be deployed bypuncturing the raft at the mid-section, wherein the graft material wouldbe self-sealing or a surgeon would sew it closed. Alternatively, a valvemay be built into the side of the graft material and the anchor devicedeployed through the valve.

Wire shaft 713 is removed from the system leaving the arterial anchordevice 10 seated in the arterial vessel fluid passageway and operablycoupled to graft material 24. The foregoing process is then repeatedwith the venous vessel anchor 400 in a venous fluid passageway to formthe anastomotic connector in accordance with the invention. However, theballoon member is optionally eliminated from seating the venous deviceas the barbs 421 will self-expand to anchor the device against thevenous wall. FIG. 3 depicts the arterial anchor device in accordancewith the invention implanted in an arterial fluid passageway and FIG. 6depicts the venous anchor device in accordance with the inventionimplanted in a venous fluid passageway. As illustrated, the distalportion of the venous anchor device resides within the vessel lumen withbarbs 421 lying adjacent to or embedded in the venous wall as opposed tothe arterial anchor device which is seated against a vessel wall.

Additionally, it may be preferable to provide the anastomotic connectorsof the invention with an inner surface that is contoured to allow smootharterial or venous blood flow into and out of the connector device. Asthose of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, providing anon-thrombogenic surface minimizes the creation of recirculation orstagnation zones with high shear or dwell times that could otherwiselead to clotting.

It is also contemplated that the inner or outer surface of theanastomotic connectors of the invention be configured to deliver andrelease therapeutic substances such as anti-microbial agents,anti-inflammatory agents, anti-proliferative agents (e.g. taclipaxel),growth factors, stem cells, collagen and the like. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that these therapeutic agents may becoupled with the connector and/or the external or internal surface ofthe connector by means such as being encased or embedded in a polymericor other biocompatible coating, applied to a textured external surfaceof the connector; contained within pockets of the connector on either aninternal or external surface, and the like.

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the samegeneral process described herein may be followed in order to place aconnector within other types of fluid passageways. Although a method ofdeploying an anastomotic connector having a self-expanding anchor memberhas been generally described herein, the method may be adapted fordeploying an anastomotic connector having a non self-expanding anchormember.

Based upon the present disclosure and after viewing the exemplaryembodiment of the anastomotic connector presented herein, the manyadvantages and benefits provided by the invention will be appreciated bythose of ordinary skill in the art. One advantage is that the geometryof the anastomotic connector allows continuous and uninterruptedarterial or venous flow during use for dialysis or other applications,thereby eliminating or substantially reducing any loss of circulation tothe downstream, distal extremities. Stated alternatively, the geometryof the anastomotic connectors allows “full” flow into the graft as wellas “full” flow to the downstream anatomy. Thus, distal arterial flow isnot “cut-off” due to the presence of the anastomotic connector. Anotheradvantage is that the anastomotic connectors of the invention are truepercutaneous devices that do not require a “cut down” as in an “opensurgery” approach. The implantation method is therefore less invasivefor the patient and faster for the surgeon. Yet another advantage isthat the present invention allows for maturation of the distal vein inpreparation for secondary AVF while avoiding a central dialysiscatheter.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat changes may be made in form and detail without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A venous anchor device deployable into a vein ofa patient comprising: a tubular main body comprising a metal framestructure defined by a plurality of struts and connecting members alongan entire length of the venous anchor device, the venous anchor devicehaving a substantially equivalent column pitch along the entire lengththereof, the metal frame structure including a plurality of rows ofopenly-formed, sinusoidal-shaped struts, each of the plurality of rowsconnected to an adjacent row by solely two connecting members of theconnecting members, each of the connecting members having a straightfirst portion that extends substantially radially from a straightmid-portion of the sinusoidal-shaped strut and a second straight portionthat extends axially from the first portion, the second portion of eachof the connecting members connected to a tip of a peak of thesinusoidal-shaped strut in the adjacent row, the tubular main bodyincluding a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including aplurality of barbs thereon, wherein upon deployment into the vein, thevenous anchor device has an outer diameter equal to an inner diameter ofthe vein into which it is deployed and the plurality of barbs restrictexpansion of a wall of the vein exposed to arterial pressure when theplurality of barbs penetrate the wall of the vein and seat the venousanchor device in the vein, wherein the distal end has an outer diametergreater than an outer diameter of the proximal end.
 2. The venous anchordevice of claim 1 wherein the plurality of barbs extend radiallyoutwardly at an acute angle from a longitudinal axis of the tubular mainbody.
 3. The venous anchor device of claim 1 wherein the venous anchordevice is coated with a fluid impermeable material.
 4. The venous anchordevice of claim 3 wherein the fluid impermeable material is woven. 5.The venous anchor device of claim 3 wherein the fluid impermeablematerial is a polymeric material.
 6. The venous anchor device of claim 3wherein the fluid impermeable material is deposited onto the venousanchor device by electrospinning.
 7. The venous anchor device of claim 3wherein the fluid impermeable material is deposited onto the venousanchor device by extrusion.
 8. The venous anchor device of claim 3wherein the coating covers the entirety of the venous anchor device. 9.The venous anchor device of claim 3 wherein the coating covers theproximal end, a mid-portion and the distal end such that the pluralityof barbs remain uncoated.
 10. The venous anchor device of claim 1wherein the venous anchor device is formed from a shape memory material.11. The venous anchor device of claim 1 further comprising a graftmaterial fluidly coupled to the venous anchor device.
 12. The venousanchor device of claim 11 wherein the outer diameter of the proximal endof the venous anchor device is greater than an inner diameter of thegraft material.
 13. The venous anchor device of claim 12 wherein theproximal end of the venous anchor device forms a compression fit withthe graft material.
 14. The venous anchor device of claim 1 wherein thecolumn pitch is configured to allow the tubular main body to bend whensubjected to arterial pressure.